It is very interesting to read this thread and to try to understand the viewpoint of the many 'Ppruners'.
Not so long ago we had a vast amount of threads dedicated to the degradation of terms and conditions due to the various airlines willingness to charge for type ratings, training etc. This caused alot of discussion pertaining to professional pilots terms and condition falling due to the cheap influx of willing students onto the lower tiers of the airline world. The general call became, 'if you don't accept paying for your type rating then they will stop charging for it'.
Now, welcome to the new world of culling the market from the other end. Quantas and American Airlines have, sucessfully, capped and curbed mainline terms and conditions by use of a 'small upstart carrier' becoming a trojan horse to railroad the mainline into reduced terms and conditions.
This process has been very closely watched and scrutinized by all airlines around the world. The ability to have a large workforce on lower T's & C's in place to cover mainline work during a dispute is undoubtedly an enviable position for any manager. Do not be mistaken this will have an effect on all of our T's & C's in the future.
At the moment there is, for those who wish it, progression through the professional pilot workforce. The ability of a pilot to vote with his feet causes localised roster and pay stability as many airlines do not want the associated training cost involved with pilot migration. If we cull the top of the work list, i.e. the 'Legacy' carriers then there will be a waterfall effect as many managers will take into account the lack of ability to move carrier for better T's & C's. This action will have a huge affect on the industry over the next 10-15 years as the accountants and managers seek ever more innovative ways to cut costs in the face of rising fuel prices and reduced profit margins.
We, as professional people, cannot allow this to happen. Sure, the idea of DEC long haul trans Atlantic flying seems very appealing until you look at the fixed wages including any variable pay. These do not change. They are fixed for a fixed roster that will be very tiring indeed. After a few years then the novelty will wear off but the airline does not want to let you move fleet or airline. They do not want OS on the mainline seniority roster as then in 10 years time they will not be useful as a lever.
This is not just about BA Mainline wanting to maintain their 'cash cow' it is about wanting to preserve the conditions of employment in the future.
You decide.